Ron Hill graduated from Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design in the 1950s and went on to become an influential figure in the world of transportation design for more than four decades. He joined General Motors after graduation, where he helped design iconic automotive nameplates like the 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz, the Pontiac GTO and Firebird, as well as a planned mid-engine Corvette and the second generation Corvair, which Car & Driver called “one of the most handsome cars in the world.”

Hill received The Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award from NBC Tonight Show host Jay Leno at its annual car classic on Oct. 21. Meanwhile, about 100 classic and custom cars, motorcycles, and bicycles were displayed on the campus’ hillside grounds. Guests could also tour design studios, prototyping facilities, and art galleries.

Among the examples of automotive treasures on view: a 1937 Cord 812, a ’38 “Teardrop” Talbot Lago, and a 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia. This year’s theme of “Inspired Design” drew a parallel between the vehicles on display and the people who created them. With so many students (and prospective students) in attendance, it’s no doubt that some of these rolling works of art will inspire new generations of designers to create for us a very interesting future.

For more information on Art Center, call (626) 396-2200 or go to artcenter.edu.

About

The Tolucan Times is a free weekly community newspaper, published since 1937 and available online. With over 600 drop locations throughout the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valleys from Encino to Pasadena, The Tolucan Times serves the communities of Glendale, Flintridge La Canada, Burbank, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, and Van Nuys, to list a few.